Renewed Vision with Cataract Surgery [Connie Nelson]

Video Transcript

My name is Connie Nelson. I'm from White, South Dakota and I am a retired educator. I taught at Deubrook for 20 years and then when I retired, I substituted for another 16 years.

What procedure did you have at Brookings Health System?

I just had two cataracts removed from my eyes. I had been doctoring with Dr. Knudtson for over a year and we knew that they were getting close to being ready, but we finally decided on doing them just now this fall. And I just am real pleased with the way things turned out.

Why did you choose Dr. Knudtson?

I had Dr. Knudtson do the procedure and I did it because I trust him. He's been my doctor for several years and I just knew that I trusted him and wanted it done here.

Why did you choose Brookings Health System?

It's just a beautiful facility. I had been here before and I just thought, "Why travel someplace to have a procedure done when you can have it done locally?"

What do you remember from the surgery?

I came in and the receptionist was just really helpful and then we went back into a room where the nurses took over and they just were very caring, very helpful, wanted to know if I was comfortable. When they started the IV, they wanted to know my pain level. It was just wonderful. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

How did your nurse support you before surgery?

She was really helpful, very good. And she made me feel relaxed and got me ready for the surgery, told me everything, all the steps that were going to occur. So I didn't have any real surprises. So I was really pleased.

How was your pain managed after surgery?

There was no pain. I mean, it was just very well taken care of. They just knew exactly what to do and when and it went very smoothly.

How was your recovery?

The recovery was just as equal. I couldn't have asked for anything better. They looked after me, they were very caring, concerned, asked a lot of questions and it just went perfect.

How did your vision improve and what changes did you notice?

The first week right after surgery, I went in and came back out with 20/20 vision, which I've never had in my life. So that was a great plus. The colors were so much brighter and clearer than they had been. So that was one of those miracle things. I like that. I live out in the country, so I was very aware of the change in the color of the outdoors after I had had the surgery. It's nice. It's fun to see well again.

What did you appreciate most about Brookings Health System?

The interesting part is I do know some of these people because I had them as students in school. So that was kind of fun. And to know that they turned out to be good, responsible workers and knew what they were doing, I was proud of them. I thought they did very well.

Would you recommend Brookings Health System?

There is nothing like being at home. It's a beautiful facility and when you can be close to home, why not do that? I just think it's beautiful here.

Are you one of Brookings Health System's grateful patients who would like to give back to us? Learn more about how you can give back at brookingshealth.org/MyThanks.